9 hours ago
Aloha Authentic Ep 508
In this episode of Aloha Authentic, host Kamaka Pili welcomes cultural practitioner and 8th-generation weaver Keoua Nelsen to share his ʻike of lauhala. Keoua shares how his journey began under the guidance of his grandmother. Like many, he had a hard time getting the hang of the actual weaving. When frustration set in, he offered to help his grandmother gather leaves and material for her to weave. What seemed like a pause in learning became a foundational lesson.
For Keoua, understanding where the leaves come from, how they grow, and the energy they carry is even more important than the weaving itself. He explains that the color of a hala leaf isn't just about the plant, it's shaped by its environment. Soil, minerals, water, and even weather all affect the quality and appearance of the leaf.
Lauhala was originally woven for functional uses like mats, pillows, and baskets. Today, it is still rooted in tradition, however it has taken a more decorative role with its complex patterns and designs.
As an 8th-generation weaver, Keoua carries a proud legacy. He recalls how his grandmother and her sisters were once asked to help recreate a lauhala sail for the Polynesian Voyaging Society. While honored, they respectfully declined. The challenge was too great given the complexity of the task.
To bring the episode to life, Keoua walks Kamaka through a basic weaving technique to make a bracelet, a small but meaningful hands-on experience that ties together tradition, storytelling, and practice.
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